Do I have to be a member to attend worship services?
No! As our sign once stated, you really can just walk in! We’d love to have you join us, any Sunday you wish.
I’m LGBTQI. Will I be welcome at your church?
Absolutely! We are a Reconciling United Methodist Church and welcome and affirm all people regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, economic status, etc. and we continue to welcome and affirm all despite the recent ruling at the Special General Conference of the United Methodist Church.
What time should I come?
Worship is at 10:30 a.m.; you are welcome to come anytime after 10 a.m. and enjoy the music and people gathering together. Of course, if you are running late, don’t hesitate to slip in and join us. Our church is informal and welcoming!
Where can I park?
Easy! We’ve got a big parking lot, pick any spot aside from those with designated signs for the pastor and staff.
How should I dress for worship?
Some folks dress up, some folks come casual. You are welcome just as you are.
Does Sunday School happen before church?
Godly Play Sunday School for children aged 4 years through 5th grade occur DURING the church service. The kids start with us in worship and leave to go to their classroom after the children’s time during worship. This gives them a chance to connect with our larger faith community and also provides an opportunity for age appropriate learning and play.
I have kids. Where do I bring them for Sunday School or the nursery? Can they stay with me in worship?
The nursery is open before worship to receive your children under the age of 4. The nursery is located in the corner of the courtyard that is to the left of the sanctuary. Children ages 4 and up start worship together with their families and then are dismissed to Sunday School. Godly Play Sunday School for children aged 4 years through 5th Grade is held in Room 1, to the left of the nursery. Please pick up your children from Sunday School after worship. Youth grades 6-12 remain in worship with their families and are encouraged to utilize our “Worship Notes” worksheet to engage with the service and sermon. All children, of any age, may stay in worship with their families if they prefer. We have toy boxes in the back corners of the sanctuary as well as activity packets by the usher’s table. There is also a rocking chair and toy box in the narthex where the service can be heard through the speakers.
What goes on at the service?
Our worship service is both very informal and follows an order of worship that you can find both in the program and on the projection screen. The atmosphere is very joyous and casual.
We are super-kid ready and friendly and enjoy the participation of young ones in worship. We start worship with singing, invitations to ministry events and opportunities and a time for children to hear a story and collect the Food Bank offering. Then the children are welcome to attend Godly Play Sunday School, head to the nursery for little ones or stay in worship with their families. We hear the reading from the Bible and the pastor’s message, followed by a time of prayer, the offering and more music. On the first Sunday of the month, we celebrate the Lord’s Supper. Communion is open to all people, of all ages. After worship, we have coffee, tea and food in the reception area and outdoor gardens.
I wasn’t raised in the church or haven’t attended church very often, so I don’t know a lot about Christianity or Methodism—will I fit in?
You will fit right in! Many of our members have no church background or come from another faith tradition; others have been raised in other Christian denominations or have gone through a period of not attending church after being raised in a Christian church. We have interfaith families and families where one member or more are not church-goers. As a Christian church, we focus on how the message of Jesus is one of inclusion and love, not exclusion and fear. We are all enriched by the variety of people and beliefs that are part of the congregation. The twin pillars that hold up the foundation of The United Methodist Church are personal spirituality and social justice, which invites all to the table!
Are the property and service accessible?
Yes! All of our buildings are accessible and we have ADA bathrooms. Hearing devices, large print hymnals and preferred seating for people to maximize their participation in and enjoyment of worship.
What kinds of programs do you have for children?
We value children at Mt. Tamalpais Church! In addition to worship and Godly Play Sunday school, we offer several events throughout the year like Santa’s Workshop, a Christmas Pageant, and Peace Camp to name a few. Check out our Ministries to learn more about what’s offered for children.
What kinds of programs do you have for middle and high schoolers?
Our youth ministry program is growing! We offer a weekly Wednesday after-school gathering spot in our youth room – it’s a time for casual conversation, doing a little homework and enjoying snacks. We also host monthly youth group meals and meet at least once a month throughout the school year focusing on three areas for our youth: faith, fun and service. Examples of activities include leading a worship service, volunteering with the Tiny House Village in Oakland and an outdoor movie night.